Pesto-Presto Italian Flag Chicken
Serves 4
Try serving these stuffed chicken breasts with Garlic and Cheese Orzo alongside.
Ingredients
- 5-6 leaves basil
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley leaves (about a handful)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 1 block soft garlic and herb cheese, such as Boursin brand
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (about 2 handfuls), divided
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
Directions
- Pre-heat the oven to 450ºF.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the basil, parsley, pine nuts, soft cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmigiano Reggiano (about a handful) and some salt and pepper. Process into a smooth paste. Reserve.
- Butterfly each of the chicken breasts and pound them out lightly in a plastic bag with a dash of water using a skillet or meat mallet. Season both sides of the chicken and divide the herb-cheese mixture between the four breasts, placing a scoop on one half of each breast. Fold the flap of chicken over to enclose the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the chicken pockets to a baking sheet and lay three slices of tomato over each breast, overlapping them like shingles. Season with some salt and pepper, drizzle with about 2 tablespoons EVOO and sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (about a handful).
- Bake the chicken pockets until cooked through and light golden brown, 20-25 minutes.